Rivers returning to normality
Following the near breakdown of law and order, President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. This followed the dispute between the state governor and the House of Assembly. The dispute had led to protests by supporters of the warring sides, while militants started blowing up oil pipelines […]
Following the near breakdown of law and order, President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. This followed the dispute between the state governor and the House of Assembly. The dispute had led to protests by supporters of the warring sides, while militants started blowing up oil pipelines to register their support for one of the factions.
The president, in his declaration, named a former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok Ette Ibas, as the Sole Administrator who will pilot the affairs of the state for the next six months.
His task is to ensure the immediate restoration of law and order as well as the smooth running of the machinery of government to ensure continuous service delivery to the citizens.
It is gratifying that nearly halfway into his tenure, the state, which holds a vital position in the country’s revenue generation in view of its being oil rich, has seen a return to normalcy with citizens going about their normal activities without fear.
Ibas has consistently engaged major stakeholders in the state, ranging from the Rivers elders, traditional rulers, politicians, youths, women groups, Nigerian Labour Congress NLC, the clergy and other interest groups to solicit support and understanding to de-escalate tension in the state.
Again, looking at the task before him, which also includes developing and providing basic infrastructure, he has embarked on an inspection tour of key projects.
They include the ongoing Rivers State House of Assembly Complex on Moscow Road, the Port Harcourt Technical and Vocational Centre in Old GRA, and the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
At each site, he had assured the people of the state of his readiness to ensure the completion of each project before the end of his tenure.
The emergency rule is expected to come to an end in the next three months and it is hoped that Ibas’ consultation and strategic engagement with stakeholders in the state would address political disputes and deescalate tensions and above all, prepare a smooth transition or return to civil rule in Rivers.
What Rivers State requires now is a return to peace. It is hoped that every citizen, especially prominent politicians, traditional rulers, community and youth leaders, would work towards achieving this in the interest of the state and the nation.
Ofem Uket wrote from Abuja